How to Resolve Buffering, Freezing + other streaming issues

Buffering, Freezing and other streaming issues are unfortunately a part of streaming, with many different causes ranging from the original source you are streaming from, to the route it takes to get to you, through your internet provider, through your router and then to the box, and finally through the software on your box and the media player it’s using....

Here are the steps you should go through on a regular basis to ensure you get the best streaming experience possible - NOTE these steps apply to both “On Demand” apps like Filmplus and Cinema, as well as “Live TV” options like STB Emulator or IPTV Smarters.

Step 1

Let’s take a moment to understand how streaming works first…

Streaming puts a very heavy work load on your internet connection. When streaming video files, you need to realize that HD video files are large files that require high speed internet, unfortunately the internet industry is NOT regulated, and the term "High Speed" has no clear definition. (Varies from 5mbps to over a gb).

To put this into perspective think of your internet speed like a highway (remember it being called the “information highway?") Some cars are driving 5 km/hr and others are doing well over 100. It's like the 401 highway... if you think of your device as a car, and your internet connection is like an on-ramp. How fast you can drive depends on a lot of factors.... Where you are and the time of day and other traffic on the road, all affected by things like road maintenance, conditions like weather ... all of this doesn’t even take into account the condition or age of the vehicle you are driving, including how well maintained and up to date it is.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that come into play when steaming... 

Here are the steps you should go through on a regular basis to ensure you get the best streaming experience possible - NOTE these steps apply to both “On Demand” apps like Filmplus and Cinema, as well as “Live TV” options like STB Emulator or IPTV Smarters.

Step 2

Let’s take a look at how your device is connected, and make sure your hardware is optimized for streaming.

Always connect your box directly to your router using an Ethernet (network) cable.  (Do not use wifi)

Make sure your router is up to date

Check with your ISP to ensure you have the fastest available speed and that they are not having any issues

Reboot your router at least once a month

Reboot your box occasionally (we recommend once a week)

Step 3

When it comes to streaming, we need to make sure your device is able to focus on providing the best streaming experience possible.

Every app you open or accidentally click on the icon for, remains open in the background… This can cause the box to experience issues as these apps use resources needed for streaming.

Clear off any apps running in the background - Press and Hold ALT button on your keyboard remote, tap on the TAB button, and use the BACK or DEL button to "Swipe away" all apps currently running

Step 4

Streaming apps are constantly being updated to ensure it knows where to find the best quality sources for streaming the content you want. 

Make sure your software is up to date 

Click here for info for keeping FilmPlus up to date - https://shopedmi.com/keep-filmplus-up-to-date

Step 5

Most streaming apps have a  variety of media players it can use to play the TV show, movie or channel you want to watch….try switching Media Players if you are having issues

Sources for the content you want are uploaded around the globe and often use a variety of media formats, having a media player that can play these formats properly is very important. 

1. Within your streaming software -  make sure you try multiple sources (Filmplus / Cinema HD) or try to find the show you want on another channel (All-In Media subscription) as not all sources are the same (some are faster than others)
2. Try sources further down the list (most people try the first couple and give up...) freeing up traffic on the sources lower on the list.  Also note that various sources show different quality levels - 480 is a much smaller file than a 1080 source, and likely will work better if your internet speed is slower
3. Try different Default Media Players (In Filmplus or Cinema HD) - click on the settings icon with 3 lines on it and go into Media Player settings.  although We recommend VLC or MX Player, There are others that have been quite effective.  (note if you change players, the next stream you try to play may ask you to log into the Google Playstore to install the new media player.)
4. Try different Default Media Players (In STB Emulator) - click here for instructions on changing media players - https://shopedmi.com/stb-change-media-player 

Step 6

Consider a paid Real - Debrid subscription to access more stable and higher quality sources for On Demand apps like FilmPlus or Cinema HD.

Subscribe to Real - Debrid for premium sources in Film Plus or Cinema HD

Instructions on installing and setting up a Real-Debrid account can be found here - https://shopedmi.com/how-to-set-up-real-debrid 

This is a very inexpensive subscription service offering high quality sources to stream from within Filmplus or Cinema

Manage your Expectations

Step 7

Having a backup is always a great way to stay connected

Consider using another On Demand Streaming app… for information on the apps we recommend click here - https://shopedmi.com/on-demand-apps

Consider our Vault Package for All-In Media customers.  The Vault is actually just a secondary server that you can access if your main live TV server is not available, or you are experiencing issues with streaming from the main server.  The idea is simple, if you can’t find what you want on one, check the other.  

Step 8

Have you checked to see if there is a known issue in our facebook groups? 

Check our EDMI Facebook group for 24/7 support related to your EDMI TV Box, and basic streaming issues related to FilmPlus, and Cinema HD.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/308164084786113

Check our All-In Media Facebook group for 24/7 support related to paid live tv subscriptions

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623336241121244 

Step 9

Sadly, sometimes the issue is not on your end and there isn’t anything you can do right now.

It’s important to manage your expectations and understand streaming does have some limitations.  Sometimes sources, and channels buffer, and there are no better streams available... and because sources change constantly... patience is key.  

Step 10

If you can’t find what you want right now, try again later...

              ^^^^^^ Re-read that last one again ^^^^^^

EDMI offers the ability to enjoy streaming that is free and as we have always said, there are always paid options which offer more of a guarantee.